Cole Computer Products began back in the 1980’s as Cole Hardware. Soon after purchasing a new TRIAD computer system (now know as Activant Systems) in 1981, other retail stores began calling Cole Hardware with questions about computerization and soon local TRIAD owner network began to form. Other TRIAD owners began to use Cole Hardware as a sounding board for their ideas and one of the early concerns of other TRIAD owners was the cost and availability of TRIAD consumable supplies. Cole Hardware soon became an alternate supplier for TRIAD Invoices, Statements, Ribbons, Receipt Rolls and Labels. Many TRIAD Stores liked the friendly and fast service they received along with the latest TRIAD news. As TRIAD Systems grew in popularity, so did the customer base and soon Cole Hardware had clients all over the country and a good reputation for being a source for TRIAD supplies.

In 1984, Cole Hardware expanded to 2 stores and Ron Ligouri was hired to manage store #2. As Cole Hardware became more and more involved with it’s own expansion, the decision was made to staff the Computer Supplies business with a full time employee. By 1989 there were over 500 clients and Ron Ligouri decided to purchase the Cole Hardware Computer supply business and Cole Computer Products was created.